State Department officials are watching meetings with Blinken’s NATO counterparts in Brussels and a visit to the Asia-Pacific as the secretary’s first time, the source said. The order of these two journeys has yet to be determined.
These early plans could change, sources warn, especially since the Biden government is monitoring the coronavirus pandemic.
When Blinken visits the Asia-Pacific, he is likely to travel with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to meet their Japanese, South Korean and Australian counterparts, the sources said.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ned Price said on Wednesday that Blinken had been vaccinated. He also said Blinken had not traveled yet because “there is a general attitude ‘about the Executive Branch’ against travel, except for purposes deemed necessary or essential. ‘
Price said Blinken’s trip would not take place immediately.
The pandemic has limited the Biden government’s goal of reconnecting with allies. While there have been frequent phone calls with peers worldwide, no one in President Joe Biden’s cabinet has traveled overseas.
In the coming weeks, before Blinken begins to travel abroad, Foreign Ministry officials plan a series of virtual trips for the secretary, the sources said.
Blinken’s virtual stops are expected to include Europe, Canada and Mexico, as well as several African countries. Blinken’s top advisors make an effort to be creative in their planning. In addition to meeting peers, for example, Blinken is expected to tackle cultural and NGO events during these virtual tours. He can also have guests such as members of Congress or cultural icons join him.
The virtual visits are expected to be logistically complicated as it is a new model of engagement, one source explained.